Why does pressing 'Numpad .' not center my view correctly on the selected object?
In your Layout or Modeling viewport, drag out the 'Item, Tool, View' menu from the top right hand of the viewport (has a tiny little arrow pointing toward the viewport, usually to the right of the x y z orientation gizmo). In that drag-out menu, select the 'View' tab and check the 'Lock to Object' text box. If there's something listed there, hit 'X' to the right of it. Now it shouldn't orbit around another point. At least, that was the genesis of my numpad - . issue.